A thunderstorm is bearing down on Fairfax County, bringing some potential, albeit limited relief from the ongoing heat wave.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the D.C. area, including northwestern Fairfax County. Damaging winds with gusts up to 60 mph are possible.


It has been a couple of weeks now since a black bear ventured into Herndon, but the town is still riding the high of that rare visitation.

The bear has inspired a new promotional campaign from the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department, which announced Monday (June 23) that it has “hired” Elden the Bear to serve as its ambassador.


Fairfax County School Board members faced the embarrassment earlier this year of having to reduce salary increases previously promised to staff under a landmark labor contract.

Moving forward, school board representatives said at a work session on June 17 that they need to drastically change how Fairfax County Public Schools’ needs and commitments are communicated throughout the budget process.


Fairfax County leaders hope to soon have a better gauge of how much they’re getting back from tax revenue sent to Richmond.

The Board of Supervisors voted yesterday (Tuesday) to direct County Executive Bryan Hill and staff to return before the end of the year with an analysis of how many local tax dollars flow to the state government, and how much comes back.


A high-priority project to create more affordable housing in Merrifield is officially underway.

Officials with Fairfax County and developer Conifer Realty broke ground Monday (June 23) on a project to repurpose the currently vacant, four-floor office building at 2990 Telestar Court as an 80-unit affordable apartment building.


The American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA) is no longer planning to transform its administrative offices in Reston into a new headquarters.

With its office needs declining, the member-owned nonprofit, which provides life insurance, mortgages and other financial services to members of the U.S. military community, has shifted its focus instead to housing, according to a rezoning application submitted to Fairfax County on June 24.


The sun sets on the Sully Plaza parking lot in Chantilly (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Challenge to Felon Voting Ban Allowed — “The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to hear Virginia’s bid to scuttle a lawsuit challenging an 1869 state constitutional provision that imposes a lifetime voting ban on convicted felons, one of the toughest restrictions in the United States.” Attorney General Jason Miyares had appealed a lower court’s ruling that a lawsuit from two men represented by the ACLU could proceed. [Reuters]

Virginia to Phase Out Styrofoam — “Starting July 1, 2025, food vendors with 20 or more locations in Virginia must stop using containers made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam. By July 1, 2026, all other food vendors must follow suit.” The impending ban stems from legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2021. [FOX5]

Lawsuit Over GMU Board Appointees — “A Fairfax County court will soon weigh in on whether leaders at three of Virginia’s universities broke the rules by allowing rejected appointees to remain in their governing boards — despite Senate Democrats voting to remove them earlier this month.” The lawsuit takes issue with four George Mason University board members, including former state trade and commerce secretary Caren Merrick, as well as appointees to the Virginia Military Institute and University of Virginia. [Virginia Mercury]

Shredding Events Falsely Advertised — “Residents have recently reported arriving at Fairfax County facilities for shredding events that were falsely advertised on a suspicious website. These events are not associated with the county and we urge you to take steps to avoid misinformation and potential scams.” [Fairfax County Government]

Seafood Restaurant Coming to Fairfax City — “Diners will soon be able to enjoy wild-caught and farm-raised seafood at a new restaurant coming to the Kamp Washington Shopping Center. Property owner GRI-Regency Centers is currently working to refit the 3,030-square-foot space formerly occupied by Mod Pizza at 11048 Main St. for California Fish Grill Casual Kitchen.” [Patch]

Vienna Relocates Library Mural Event — Vienna has moved today’s farewell event for the “Liberty Amendments Month” mural on Patrick Henry Library to the council chambers at Vienna Town Hall due to the expected heat. “There will be an opportunity to take photos at the mural after the commemorative ceremony,” which will start at 3:30 p.m. [Town of Vienna/X]

Summer Safety Tips — “Whether you’re heading to the pool, walking your dog, or just enjoying the warm weather, safety is key. The Fairfax County Police Department is here to help you enjoy the season responsibly. Here are some simple, yet critical tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer.” [FCPD]

Kids Compete for Jr. Ranger Title — Layla Moore, a fourth-grade student from Burke, and Ivy Usher, a 7-year-old from the Woodlawn area, are both finalists in the National Wildlife Federation’s Jr. Ranger contest, whose winner will receive $20,000, among other rewards. Voting in the latest round is open online until 7 p.m. on Thursday (June 26). [WTOP]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny and hot conditions with temperatures reaching a high near 97 and heat index values up to 107. Night brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 pm and 2 am, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 76. Winds will be light and variable. [NWS]


Fairfax County police are investigating a crash on Braddock Road that sent a motorcyclist to the hospital with serious injuries.

Officers and medics were dispatched to Braddock Road at Little River Turnpike in Lincolnia around 8:44 p.m. for a crash involving a motorcyclist and a driver.


Another scorching day is on the horizon for the D.C. region.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for tomorrow (Wednesday), warning that high temperatures and humidity could push the heat index up to 108.


Roughly half of the Republicans seeking to represent Virginia’s 11th Congressional District condemned the process — but not the result — used by the Trump administration’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to slash the federal workforce.

Speaking to voters at a forum on Sunday (June 22), three of the candidates expressed a distaste for the way in which tens of thousands of federal government workers have been fired since President Donald Trump took office in January, allegedly to reduce spending.


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